The woman laughed mirthlessly.
"What business is it of mine?"
"Where has Frau Nisko gone?"
"Have I not said that I did not know?"
She had merely the politeness of cooks and now turned her back resolutely, faced the window and fanned herself again with a view to ending the discussion.
There was nothing for it but to await Frau Nisko's return and so, leaving word that she wished to see the landlady when she returned, slowly Zoya climbed the stairs again and went into her room, where she sat on the bed in deep thought. After awhile she got up and lighting the lamp, searched for her clothing in the drawers of the dressing stand. She took the garments out one by one, examining them and preening them with her fingers. Then, discarding the old wrapper that she wore, she dressed with some care and attention to detail, and then lay down upon the bed and waited.
But when Frau Nisko knocked some moments later, she straightened and questioned rapidly.
"Herr Rowland has gone?"
The woman was somewhat shaken by the events of the evening and more than surprised at Madame Rochal's appearance.
"Yes, God be thanked! He went safely from my house. It has been almost too much. But the Herr General said nothing when he went out. I can't understand----"